We aim to highlight research and resources from around the World which improve our understanding of lifestyle and cancer; how self help strategies can improve our well-being and reduce our risks before and after diagnosis.

A meta-analysis from China analysed 16 studies from around the world involving >900,000 people. They found that those with prediabetes had a 15% increased risk of cancer. Prediabetes is a blood sugar that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered full-blown diabetes or are at the the upper end of normal in a glucose tolerance test. Ongoing study are investigating whether metformin should be given for pre diabetes to individuals with an increased risk of cancer -full article

Another interesting summary about the benefits of polyphenols

Good quality probiotics help reduce chemotherapy diarrhoea

Some chemotherapy agents cause diarrhoea. If severe, as well as being very distressing, this can lead to dehydration, concentration of the chemotherapy in the blood stream and renal damage. A placebo controlled study involving patients taking the oral chemotherapy agent capecitabine showed a significant reduction in the risk of diarrhoea and no increased risk of infection even when patients had a low white cell count (low immunity) following regular intake of a probiotic - Read more

Overweight survivors of colorectal cancer at higher risk of other cancers

During 128,383 person-years of follow-up evaluation the risk of obesity after colorectal was examined. This study from St Jude's Hospital found that obesity was associated with an increased risk of primary colorectal cancer. However, survivors of colorectal cancer, if overweight, also had an increased risk of breast, endometrial, esophageal, pancreatic, and kidney cancers - read more

Prostate cancer survivors with higher levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides had an increased risk for disease recurrence, according to a study by Allott et al. The study findings, coupled with evidence that statin use is associated with reduced recurrence risk, suggest that lipid levels should be explored as a modifiable risk factor for prostate cancer recurrence. read full abstract

Broccoli now shows potential to block ovarian cancer progression

Researchers from Texas University discovered a mechanism by which diindolylmethane (DIM), an active metabolite of indole-3-carbinol, has an anti-cancer effect. It was found induce cancer cell sudden death (apoptosis). This is found in high amounts in broccoli and other cruciferous veggies. DIM has also been found to inhibit the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 in ovarian tumuor cells, and prevent new blood vessels from forming from existing ones. - more about polyphenols

A study of >3,000 men by the University of Montreal investigated the link between number of sexual partners and prostate cancer. They found that those who had >20 female partners were 19% percent less likely to get aggressive prostate cancer. But >20 male partners upped the chances. The authors hypothesised that this was likely to be due to a higher frequency of ejaculations, whose protective effect has been previously observed in cohort studies - read more

More evidence that fruit & veg reduces cancer risk - not just tomatoes!

A research team from Bristol analysed the diets and lifestyles of >20,000 British men. They found men who consumed more than 10 portions of tomatoes each week - saw an 18% reduction in prostate cancer risk. Eating the recommended five servings of fruit or vegetables or more a day was also found to decrease risk by 24%, compared with men who ate two-and-a-half servings or less. - read more

Women with breast cancer are at long-term increased risk for depression

A study from Denmark involving 44,494 women with breast cancer looked at depression rates in the first year after diagnosis. They found clinical depression requiring hospital contact was significantly increased as well as the use of anti-depressants. Comorbidity, node-positive disease, older age, basic and vocational educational levels, and living alone were associated with a greater use of antidepressants - read more

PSA relapse after radiotherapy - best to try lifestyle before hormones

A study involving 14,000 men, 2,012 of whom had a PSA relapse after radical therapy, suggested deferred anti-androgen therapy is better than immediate intervention. It showed men who deferred up to 2 years until they presented with metastasis, symptoms, or a short PSA doubling time had a better qol and no difference in survival. This also allows for lifestyle interventions such as Pomi-Twhich had slowed PSA progression in this situation - more

Super foods - are they fact or myth - A well balanced interesting ITV documentary

Online micro-nutritional testing - optimise your nutritional status

Most top athletes measure their body's essential micro-nutrients to ensure they have the correct nutritional balance for optimal performance. These tests are now available for everyone especially those concerned about or who have survived cancer. A online micro-nutrient service has been developed by cancernet which measures over 50 of the bodies essential micro-nutrients and anti-cancer enzymes (read evidence base). The results of the detailed blood test are issued with a comprehensive bespoke advice programme which empowers the recipient to a diet and lifestyle which corrects deficiencies and lowers excesses to restore optimal nutritional status - read more about micro-nutrient testing

Lifestyle and Cancer - the facts

The 2011 edition of Lifestyle and Cancer dispells the myths by providing clear evidence based advice, to help readers cope with side effects, speed up recovey and reduce the risk of relapse after cancerOrder online

A new scheme is also now available to advocacy groups - The publishers are able to supply at cost price to groups who can sell on to members at a discount Contact us about joinng this scheme